Minimalist lifestyle embraced by local businesses

Minimalism, popular as a lifestyle choice in Vancouver for many years, has exploded across social media and made its way into the branding of businesses across the city.

The simple, essentials-only lifestyle is more photogenic and aesthetically-pleasing then ever. Steen Skaaning, president of Inspiration Furniture, said the trend of prioritising quality over quantity makes sense in a city like Vancouver.

“It’s very popular in big cities,” said Skaaning. “[It] accommodates the tight condo living that we have here.”

Minimalism is not the same as small, said Skaaning. It’s not just scaling down a product but also improving the quality.

Furniture ideal for condo life

“Minimalism is a way to using a resource,” he said. “It’s making a shelf stronger so it can be smaller.”

He chooses furniture with clean lines that use materials like wool and oak, a softer version of the contemporary look. The same trends Skaaning described in couches and curtains cross over into fashion too.